ABSTRACT
Trauma occurs when an event creates an unresolved impact on an individual. There are many body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) patients who deny experiencing trauma. This is not usually because they are intentionally withholding the information, but because they have never even considered the possibility that trauma may be applicable to them. Emotional neglect is characterized as developmental trauma. A particularly potent combination of scenarios that significantly increases the possibility of BDD development is when a child endures emotional developmental trauma and is also teased about their appearance. The dyad of emotional developmental trauma and trauma stemming from appearance related verbal abuse provides an ideal climate for the germination of BDD. From a trauma model conceptualization, the malady that has been titled BDD is the mind's response to previous body related emotional injuries. Emotional traumas involving interpersonal relationships are a common theme with individuals with BDD.
